Pedestrian, officer identifed in accident

Police have identified the pedestrian and officer involved in an early Saturday accident on Burnside Street.

Hiyabo Demsus, 34, remains in a Portland hospital in fair condition. According to police, he ran into traffic and was hit by a patrol car driven by Central Precinct officer Caleb Honl, a 4-year-veteran of the Police Bureau.

Police say that according to witnesses, Honl was driving his marked patrol car eastbound on Burnside, crossing 2nd Avenue, when Demsus ran southbound across Burnside, against a "Don't Walk" signal, and was struck by the car.

The accident happened at 2:23 a.m. on May 10, police say.

After the collision, Honl immediately called for medical personnel to respond to treat Demsus, who appeared to be suffering traumatic injuries. Medical personnel transported the man to a Portland hospital, where police say he was also treated for an apparent heroin overdose.

All westbound lanes of West Burnside were closed and the Traffic Division's Major Crash Team responded to conduct the investigation.

The police car was towed for further investigation and the street was reopened to all traffic at approximately 5:15 a.m.

Anyone with further information about this crash is asked to contact Officer Erik Koppang at (503) 823-2216 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..